Nakanyike qualifies for world chess event
Mlahleki Vusimuzi of South Africa (2nd, men), Du Plessis Anika of South Africa (first, women), International Master Fawzy Adham of Egypt (first, men) and Maria Nakanyike (second, women) of Uganda pose with their trophies during the awards ceremony of the Africa Juniors U-20 Chess Championship at J & M Hotel. Photo by Ismail Kezaala
Foreigners dominated proceedings in the just-concluded African Chess Junior Championship held at J & M Airport Hotel in Bwebajja, Entebbe.
Fawy Adham and Anika Du Plessis from Egypt and South Africa respectively were unstoppable as they swept away their opposition to lift this year’s Africa Junior chess titles.
The only consolation for Uganda was Maria Nakanyike who fought tooth and nail to pick a silver medal, which qualifies her for the World Junior Chess Championship to be held in India in November this year.
On the other hand, the national open team that participated in the African Juniors did not live up to its billing. Richard Kato fought back in the last three rounds to complete the tournament in seventh position, while Abel Matovu who had an impressive start slipped to eighth position after losing his last three rounds.
